Importing From China : The Definitive Guide ( 2022 )

Over the past thirty years, China has evolved into being the “factory for the world”.

Importing from China has proven to be a successful tactic of global sourcing and international businesses.

But if you’re new to this, how to import from China ?

It’s easy to find some suggestions or guidance online, but nearly all of them are extensive.

What make this guide distinguish from others ?

We focus on one of the most mystifying stages in the process : freight and shipping.

Typically, 6 essential shipping tips for importing goods from China.

1. Choose a right Incoterm

Incoterms is the first topic knowledge for every importers come to import products from China.

 They are standard contract term used in sales contracts with importing/exporting to define responsibility and liability for shipment of the goods.

It help traders avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods.

Further you can check this two articles :

• What are the different types of shipping terms ?
• How to choose a right Incoterms ?

2. Select the suitable shipping method

There are different means of transportation in importing goods from China.

Price differs among different shipping methods you choose, and the applicable conditions are also different.

Meanwhile, each method has its tpye benefits and drawbacks.

The service you want maybe not suitable for your shipment.

So, compare and think before you jump.

Further you can check more description for different shipping methods.

• 6 most common types of shipping options
• FCL shipping guide
• LCL shipping guide
• Air shipping guide

3. Find a reliable China freight forwarder

A good China freight forwarder is crucial to the success of your importing from China.

They are not only the shipping experts who understand whole shipping process, but also your reliable business partner to offer you the valued guidance and considerate service.

Here are 7  best strategies on find and choose a right China forwarder.

• 1. Make sure they are legitimate
• 2. Deal with a forwarder with rich experience
• 3. Choose a forwarder with a right shipping service
• 4. Use a freight forwarder in right size
• 5. Designate a freight forwarder for shipping
• 6. Pick a forwarder with reasonable shipping price
• 7. Get a digital China freight forwarder

4. Calculating and estimating the shipping cost

Needless to say, shipping cost from China is the most concerned topic when importing from China.

From above shipping method charpter, you can know how to caculate the costs based on different shipping methods you choose.

But how much does it cost for shipping from China ?

Spending time and effort to search and gather shipping price everywhere can be exhausted.

In stead, we believe it will be more worth for you to have a rough idea of all the costs for each shipping  method in just seconds.

That’s why we developed the table price systems, go and check.

• Container shipping cost calculator
• LCL shipping price calculator

5. Prepare the shipping documents

International shipping is a complex thing, along with many different paperworks to work on.

There are 5 common shipment documents importers should be familiar with when import goods from China.

• B/L
• Packing List
• Invoice
• C/O
• Insurance

Besides that, you will meet other paperwork like export license, shipment contract, MSDS, fumigation certificate, ISF filing, POA, etc among different shipping routes and cargo types.

Of course, you can properly get your forwarder to handle that.

But, knowing what documents need to be submitted will make your business runs smoothly.

6. Make a booking smoothly

What’s the shipping process when importing goods from China ?

Follow this step-by-step freight forwarding process guide.